The book of remembrance

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Corinthians 11, 12, 13, 14

Malachi 4:16-18 (NIV)

16 Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name. 17 “They will be mine,” says the Lord Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

I Corinthians 12:27; 29-31 (NIV)

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

Good morning!

Yesterday was an incredible day. I took a road trip with two of my Faith friends, and we drove along some beautiful Missouri country roads and enjoyed the fragrance of fall. Thanksgiving is upon us, and I would say, of all the holidays we celebrate each year, this one is truly special to my heart. It is a time when I thank God for all He has given to us. I thank Him for His ultimate sacrifice – His only Son, Jesus Christ. I thank Him for the people He has placed in my path. I thank Him for the memories of those who have gone on before us, leaving a legacy worth following. Yesterday was a great day just to say thank you to the Lord and be glad.

We stopped at a beautiful country church to worship and give thanks. I noticed the artistry of an unfinished piece quilt sitting in a frame in the church’s fellowship hall. Each square was a different shade of blue, and yet, when sewn together with tiny, intricate stitches, it was as if all of the colors simply blended together as one. They were meant to be together! What an awesome work of art it is, when we, who are many, gather together as one body in Christ, proclaiming the Good News in our world.

This morning, when I began to study His Word, I was reminded of where I had walked yesterday. I thought I had turned to the appropriate scripture passage, but my eyes were not yet focusing very well. I began to read the words from the prophet Malachi, and God added His holy exclamation point to an ongoing conversation we’ve been having off and on for the last two years. This passage was strangely familiar, but it certainly didn’t read like Paul. It took me a minute to realize I was checking out a totally different book of the Bible. The Father had something to say to my heart, and He wanted me to sit and chew on this passage for awhile.

When we spend time together with other Christians, sharing our faith journey together, God listens and hears our every word. He is present in every conversation. The Father joins us whenever we seek His presence. I’ve often thought that it was God who was writing the scroll of remembrance concerning those who fear Him and honor His name. But this time, as I reread the words of the prophet Malachi, I wondered if maybe we aren’t the ones writing the scroll of remembrance as we live out our days in His holy presence. God listens and hears our every thought and word and we record the pages with our life’s song.

Every person is a unique, created work of the Living God. Every heart is custom made. We have many similarities, but no two people are exactly alike. Even in the midst of our diversity, with Jesus Christ at the head, we can become one body in Him, with many functioning parts. Like that beautiful piece quilt of many colors and patterns, we become His treasured possession, one body, united in Christ alone. In each passing season, we leave a living legacy behind for others to follow. What are you recording in the pages of your life?

Do you know that God sees you as His treasured possession? You are His masterpiece – His precious created work of art. God dwells in the many hearts of His body. We are all intricately stitched together by the blood of the Lamb. He listens and hears us. He is our treasure, and we belong to Him. May you find yourself thankful for all that God has given you. How will you choose to thank Him? What will you write in your book of remembrance?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the greater gifts! Together, we are one in the body of our Lord Jesus Christ. Intricately woven together through grace, what will the colors of your life look like recorded on the pages in the book of remembrance? Will you choose to leave a worthwhile legacy for others to follow?

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Holy heart burn!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Corinthians 8, 9, 10

I Corinthians 12b-14; 16-17 (NIV)

12b On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the Gospel should receive their living from the Gospel

16 Yet, when I preach the Gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach! Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward, if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.

Good morning!

I almost didn’t send this message today, because I don’t think it is really meant for anyone other than me. But if these thoughts happen to speak to your heart, please write to me and let me know. Lord, have mercy! Christ, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

I’ve been thinking a lot about the gift of preaching. I’ve been blessed to observe and learn from many fine pastors and teachers through the years, who preach and teach His Word faithfully every day. I’ve seen what the Father can do through a humble and willing heart; someone who is open to the leading of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I’ve watched in awe as the Holy Spirit prompts members from my Faith family to rise up and leave the comfort of their own pews behind, to preach His Word in other churches, other faith communities, and even in other nations. As a certified lay speaker, I’ve enjoyed participating in many seminars and classes that encourage and support all who feel compelled by Christ to move forward in faith. They teach how to effectively communicate the Gospel message with the spiritual gifting you have been given. These classes are invaluable and worthwhile experiences, and I would encourage every Christian to sign up and take a lay speaking class soon.

For several years now, I have heard the Spirit whisper to my soul in prayer, “Go to the millions.” I don’t pretend to understand completely what that means, but I do know, without a doubt, that Christ calls me to seek Him out every day, and to purposefully choose to honor and glorify Him with my life. Jesus commands me to express His love through all that I say and do, especially with the people He has placed in my home, in school, at work, and in my church. It has become a profoundly joyful journey, as I yearn for more of the Lord and less of me. This one thing has become my daily focus and life’s prayer.

So when I read Paul’s words this morning, my heart began to burn, like it always does when the Father takes His holy Word and hits me squarely between the eyes. Sometimes God has to do that just to get my attention. He picks up that heavy Bible I carry around and hits me with His Word! Does God ever get in your face with His Word? Have you ever experienced a really nasty heart burn, and you know exactly where it is coming from? It wasn’t the spicy food you ate last night for dinner, barking back at you today. Holy moments are unmistakable, and when we experience God’s Word speaking directly to us, we just know it is Him. It’s kind of like John Wesley’s strange heart warming he experienced that night on Aldersgate Street. He definitely had the taste of God’s holy heart burn!

I am soft spoken by nature. My voice doesn’t carry into a crowd. My husband has to use hearing aids just to hear my voice! How, Lord, can I possibly go the millions? How will they ever hear me? I get tongue tied and red faced a lot when I speak. My husband overcame an annoying studder he struggles with whenever he preaches. Most people do not even realize he fights this problem daily. Jeff learned in oral speaking to tap his foot on the floor, keeping a rhythm while he speaks. It slows him down enough so that the words do not come out all jumbled up. When the Lord calls me to preach His Word, He has to slow my mind down so that I can speak with clarity and conviction of heart. There is no way I can rely upon my own effort when it comes to speaking His Word to the millions. My words will surely fall away, but His Word lasts forever. My own efforts will fail time and time again. When we allow the Lord to do the work through us, He speaks! When I allow myself to comfortably sit in the pew like a bump on a log and refuse to open my mouth when He tells me to, I know that He will make the rocks cry out! If God gives sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and a voice to the dumb, then He can certainly use someone like me to go to the millions. And I know, without a doubt, He can and will use you too! It is only a matter of time – His time, that is.

I hope that you will pray with me, as I offer this prayer to my Lord this morning:

With a grateful heart for all that you’ve done, all that you are, and in the fulfillment of all your promises to come, I give you thanks and praise Lord Jesus! I offer my life back to you now. It is with a humble heart and willing spirit that I promise, with your help, to go and preach your message of salvation and hope to the millions. I will learn how to become a living sermon. I will speak your Word whenever you want, wherever you choose, and in whatever way you wish. I will follow you wherever you lead. All praise and glory and honor be unto you dear Father, Son and Holy Spirit! You are my glory hallelujah! Amen!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: His Word to speak through you! A little holy heart burn can be a good thing. Do not hesitate to answer when He calls you to go preach.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Redefining who I am

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Corinthians 4, 5, 6, 7

I Corinthians 4:1-5 (NIV)

1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

Good morning!

Do you ever wonder or worry what other people might think or say about you? Sometimes, I find myself wondering how I am perceived by others. What do people think when they take a long, hard look at my life? Am I known by the community where I live? Do family and friends view me as someone who is sincerely genuine and honest? Do I share a message worth listening to? Am I consistent in my walk and talk? Do my neighbors even know who I am? Does Jesus Christ, the Lord I’ve given my life to, reveal Himself through the words I speak, in the work I do, and in every aspect of my life? Every human heart longs to be accepted and loved. Every voice yearns to be heard. We just want to know that somebody out there truly cares. We often form inaccurate perceptions and opinions of the people in our lives. It is healthy to care about what other people think, to a point. But isn’t it more important to ask the Lord what He sees and thinks as He looks inside my heart?

The United Methodist Church, of which I am a member, has been trying to redefine itself, especially during the last forty years of its mission and ministry in the world. I’m forty-eight years young, so this journey has been ongoing and developing through most of my earthly life. I’ve watched our denomination lose three million members over the last forty year stretch. Every heart is a precious creation of the living God. Millions of people made a conscious decision to join and then leave our denomination. When they left, some placed their memberships with other Christian congregations. Others chose to leave their faith in Christ behind and walk away. Many wonderful people fell off our church’s radar screen and then off our membership rolls through difficult charge conference action. Was it because they no longer took an active interest in our churches, or did we just not care enough to seek them out and listen to what they had to say? The condition of every human soul is of utmost importance to the Lord our God. Because Christ loves us, we are commanded to love and care for each other. So I’m wondering this morning, where did all these people go and why did they leave? In the midst of our denomination’s forty-year journey toward self-definition, we’ve managed to somehow lose sight of the only One who truly defines whose we are.

I’ve been looking forward to reading the report of our United Methodist Connectional Table. The report entitled, An Invitation to an Upright Charitable and Discreet Conversation: State of the Church 2007, is now available online. You can find the report by copying and pasting this link into your web browser: http://media.umcom.org/umcorg/2007/State_of_the_Church/Final_SOTC%20BOOKLET.pdf

If you are a United Methodist, or if you are asking questions about the United Methodist Church, it is worth your time to read the data provided in this report. I believe every heart should be asking the harder questions about who it is we are serving. The Apostle Paul told the church at Corinth that “Men should regard us as servants of Christ and those entrusted with the secret things of God.” What does Paul mean by secret things? The plan of salvation was not revealed until Christ came in human flesh, carrying human sin to the cross as the ultimate, perfect sacrifice. He defeated death in resurrection and now offers eternal life to all who believe! It is through the blood of Christ alone, that we attain salvation. For those who have placed their faith in Jesus, we are called to serve Him by daily by dying to things of self and seeking new ways to serve and love each other in and through the power and presence of His Holy Spirit. The secret of salvation was out, but many Christians in the early church were confused. They were missing out on the main thing, and spent their lives bickering over whose footsteps they should follow. Should they emulate the thoughts and life example of Paul or Peter, Timothy or Barnabas? The same questions of theology continue to divert our attention from the main thing. The debates continue on, even in our denomination today.

The Apostle Paul said that he really didn’t care if other people chose to stand in judgment over his life’s work. Even Paul’s own self-evaluation was unimportant in the bigger plan. The only opinion that truly mattered to Him is the opinion of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

So today, I’m asking a harder question. What does Jesus Christ think of me? Am I living a life that He would be pleased with? Am I seeking to serve Him first and foremost in all that I do? What does Jesus Christ think of the people of the United Methodist Church? Are we answering His Great Commission to make disciples in the world? Who are we choosing to follow? Like Paul, I can truly say that my conscience has been cleared through grace, but it does not make me innocent. We are all responsible for the millions who have lost along the way. I can do better at this. My church can do better. I know that the Lord judges the motivations of my heart. He alone stands in judgment of my church. I think it’s time to change my focus. There are lots of issues that separate and divide us, but there is only One who can truly unite our hearts in love. When we redefine who it is we are serving, the direction of our very lives will change. The direction of my denomination will change. It is my daily prayer. Come Lord Jesus and be our guest! Breathe on us, breath of God!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a change of direction. Forty years is long enough to wander around in a spiritual wilderness. It’s time to cross over into the Promised Land. If we will focus our open hearts, open minds and open doors on the Lord Jesus Christ, everything will change. Can you feel it? There’s a shift occurring right now.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Hotline to holiness

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Corinthians 1, 2, 3

I Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)

10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

I John 2:9-11 (NIV)

9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

Good morning, I think!

I choose to make a spiritual s-t-r-e-t-c-h. It was truly an exercise of faith. It’s one thing for me to worship in the privacy of my home, in pajamas, late at night, when I can simply crawl under the covers and not worry about anyone seeing me except the Lord God Almighty. And believe me, He knows what I look like late at night and it is not a pretty sight. But it is totally something different to choose to attend worship with a group of young Christian adults, most of whom I’ve never met, at a service that doesn’t even begin until 10pm. These people go to bed about the time I’m getting up. This was painfully apparent to me as I walked into the upper room on campus last night for the Interface Unified Worship Service. I used to get away with stuff like this, especially when I was in my thirties, but honestly, now that I’m tipping the 50 year mark, I have to admit I stuck out like a sore thumb on a perfectly shaped hand.

I was happy to take a seat on the front row. I always see better when I sit up front. The worship team had a giant screen, and I could easily read the words. This is one good reason to memorize your Scripture and music lyrics now, while you can still read the printed page. My eyes just don’t focus well anymore, especially at night. The words were rolling across the wall in a super large font, and thankfully, I could read it! What a wonderful gift it is to be able to see! I noticed a few typographical errors in the printed lyrics. There was one typo in particular that immediately spoke to my spirit. The intended word was holiness, but it was spelled “hotline.” At that moment, the Father gave me a vision of His living Vine, crying out to God for unity as we plugged into His hotline to holiness. We were all gathered together there, asking for the very same thing – Christ’s peace, love, forgiveness and grace. I could see Jesus on the faces of everyone gathered there. His holy presence filled the room. The spiritual connection had been made! We were linked to a virtual hotline, plugged into His holiness through our intentional worship, prayers, and praise.

It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit can just simply fall upon a group of people who purposefully link hearts, minds, and souls to worship Him with one voice, in one accord. This is a brand new building on campus and I have no doubt it is structurally sound. Yet, I could physically feel the room vibrating by His awesome power, and it was not because of any reverb from the guitar amps. Christ’s holy current was recharging our spiritual batteries. We were being changed through His amazing, healing love.

There’s a song we teach our children in Jesus Break Sunday school that says, “The prayers go up and the blessings fall down.” I know I did not pray with the same conviction and courage in my early adulthood, like these adults now possess in their personal prayer life. It was our sole desire to worship the Lord in unity and in truth. Every scripture, and every song, adored the Lord Jesus Christ, whom I love. We cried out to the Lord to make us one, to love as one, to live in holiness before Him. We begged for our lives to honor Him in everything we say and do. Less of me and more of the Lord became our worship theme. We are all ambassadors of His holiness, and the message we deliver becomes flawed whenever we allow our opinions and human imperfections to step out in front of His glory. I am convinced that every person in the room last night was truly seeking to let go of self, and cling completely to the cross of Jesus Christ.

After worship, I met a really nice guy from Interfath Ministries, and I stopped to shake his hand. He asked me which group I was with. I really didn’t want to be rude, but how I longed to say, “I’m with the Christians.” I smiled and said, “Well, actually, I’m a junior here at Lindenwood.” He tried hard to hide his surprise, and I giggled in my spirit. I do that a lot at school – it has become a survival tactic. I then said, “And I’m a member of Faith United Methodist Church in St. Charles.” He seemed even a little more surprised at that; yet, without hesitation, he offered me an ice-cold glass of chocolatey milk and I knew we would be forever friends. Leave it to the young at heart to know about heavenly manna. I pray that we will have lots of milk and cookies in heaven. I kept thinking, “This is an awesome idea; especially for Christmas Eve services! We could serve milk and Christmas cookies in the narthex, as we send the saints out into the world to celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord. We could serve milk and cookies at our watch night services, and after 24 hour prayer vigils. My goodness, we could serve milk and cookies after every worship service!” I kind of felt like I had come home, padding around in my pajamas, with a late night snack in hand and a heart absolutely overflowing with love for my Lord.

There is a vibrant, living, hotline to holiness, and if you want to get plugged in, all you need to do is ask Jesus Christ to give you more of Him and less of you. We can celebrate our unity in worship, as we lay down the things that divide our hearts and choose to love one another as Jesus loves us.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a spiritual connection! Choose to plug into His hotline to holiness today. Your spiritual battery will be transformed by the renewing of your faith. We may be at different places as we walk the road that leads to life, but we are all one in and through Jesus Christ our Lord. Praise Him!

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

An extra helping of hope

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Romans 15, 16; Proverbs 5

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Good morning!

I spent the last night with my mom. She is almost 85 years young, and I have more gray hair than she does. I find that absolutely amazing! We went to the store to purchase turkeys and trimmings for our annual Faith Church Thanksgiving dinner. Helping to prepare and serve food for the needy and shut-ins of St. Charles County I cannot think of any place I’d rather be on Thanksgiving morning than with my Faith family, peeling potatoes in the fellowship hall, and praising God for all He has done. on Thanksgiving Day has become a very special and important tradition in my life.

Last night, we sat in The Bread Company restaurant, enjoying a bowl of soup together, and I couldn’t help but reminisce over my mother’s flair for holiday entertaining. She was always a fine cook, and loved to feed the masses. I think she came by it naturally, due in part to her large and ever-growing family. She was one of seven siblings, and when her aunt and uncles, grandparents and cousins all gathered together for holiday feasts, it was a true celebration indeed. They didn’t have a lot of money to spend on fancy food or lavish decorations, but they were very creative with what they had. Lots of rice dishes and sweet potato casseroles were mainstays at their family gatherings. Fresh fruit was a delicacy and only available on very special occasions. Nobody made shrimp gumbo like my mom. The sauce was thin in consistency but rich in flavor, and it had a hot and spicy bite that would cause even the sturdiest stomach to chase it down with a cup of ice cold water. This was one good reason to be very thankful for outdoor plumbing! My children have absolutely no point of reference for this. What a shame…

In everything she did, Mom displayed a spirit of hope and peace. She emulated love in the work of her hands in the kitchen, while serving others the bread of life. Mom always welcomed the stranger to our table, fed whoever was hungry, and gave up her own chair to make sure everyone had a seat at the table. The power of the Holy Spirit was working in and through her, especially as she slaved over a hot stove to feed our growling stomachs and nourish our ever-growing souls. We always stopped to thank the Lord before we ate. Mom knew the One who gave her eternal peace and hope, even in the midst of physical poverty, and she thanked God for His providence and great riches every day. She set a good example for me. I’ll never be able to cook like she did, but I do have her heart and spirit. I think we make a pretty good team.

As you prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends, remember to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit and the love of Christ into your home, by serving those you love an extra measure of hope, joy and peace. It is the best gift you will ever give, and it will be remembered with gratitude in the years to come.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: those who emulate Christ in their lives! This Thanksgiving, remember who it is you are serving, and offer your sacrifice of praise with a heart full of joy, hope and peace. If you wrap your life around the Lord Jesus Christ, He will fill you up with His sweet Holy Spirit, and you the hope you have inside will overflow to everyone around you.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Shepherds in shades

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Romans 12, 13, 14

Romans 12:9-21 (NIV)

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge; my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written, “It is mine to avenge, I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Good morning!

I had a little taste of Christmas cheer yesterday. Jesus Break, our children’s Sunday school, had a dress rehearsal for the Christmas pageant scheduled for the second Sunday in December at Faith Church. Miss Cindy arranged to have a petting zoo visit Faith Church. Outside, in the makeshift stable, I was delighted to find baby goats, two really cute but persnickety donkeys, a baby calf, and even a spitting llama. They were a noisy bunch, especially as the children converged to pet and love on them a little bit. Our wee ones dressed up in Christmas finery, colorful robes and scarves, custom made by our choir director. We had little shepherds and angels running around everywhere! Mary and Joseph looked absolutely radiant, holding the newborn King, while being photographed in the stable surrounded by animals. I love listening to the children, as they reacted to their surroundings. This truly was the most fun I had all weekend!

I’ve often heard that llamas can be really nasty, especially when they spit. This llama was spitting out the wrong end and, let me tell you, it was gross! God knew it was a spiritual stretch for me to stand in the stable, holding the tether of a very restless donkey in my hands. As I stood there smiling, I was praying fervently for grace and peace. I heard during the covered dish dinner that my New Testament professor is planning to bring one of his precious pets to class on Thursday. Thank God we have charge conference at the church! I just don’t know if I have enough spiritual strength to handle a donkey and a snake all in one week. Lord, have mercy!

Even the adults got into the spirit of the season, as they dawned their regal crowns and robes of fine purple. The shepherds arrived in groups of three, carrying their staff in hand. The shepherds wore shades! It was one class act, those wise guys, kneeling before the tiny infant King, in their turbans and sunglasses. How often do we shade our eyes from the Lord? Sometimes, the truth is so piercing that we react by putting our blinders on. Maybe if we just don’t look too hard or too long, we won’t have to really see the truth, because, if we understood it completely, we might have to make a change in the way we live our life! Oh, there was a sermon just waiting to be birthed behind those shades. Yes, indeed.

The children told the nativity story with sincere and loving hearts. Do we tell others about the life of Christ with sincere and loving hearts? Do we show honor and respect for one another, even when they may not be very respectful of us? Jesus’ poured out his entire earthly life as a love offering for the lost and the lame ones, like you and me. He forgave us over and over again. The compassion in his eyes could not be dismissed. It is the same compassion with which we seek to love each other. On a scale of one to ten, how are we doing in the area of sincere and loving hearts?

Maybe the llama said it best when he spit. Oh Lord, help us learn to sincerely love each other. For it is only in sincere, brotherly, love, that your heart is revealed in the world. Come Lord Jesus, be our guest.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: sincere love to become a way of life. Take your shades off today and dare to look full into the face of Jesus Christ. He can teach us how to love each other, if we will simply let Him. Christmas is coming! Can you see the signs?

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Thank you Lord for pastors

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Romans 9, 10, 11

Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)

14 How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Good morning!

Every Sunday morning, I spend a few quiet moments thanking God for the pastors in my life. When I was a little girl, I used to shrink back in the pew and bury myself in my mother’s suit jacket when the pastor would begin to raise his voice, thumping the pulpit with his Bible in hand. He looked really big up there, standing underneath what looked like some sort of heavy crown suspended in mid-air, hanging right over the pastor’s head. I often wondered what might happen if God heard the pastor say something from the pulpit He didn’t like. That cord holding that heavy piece of concrete might suddenly snap, falling on the pastor and squish him mid-sentence! Isn’t it amazing where one’s mind can wander during a sermon?

It took awhile for me to realize that pastors were not really scary people after all. Pastor Murrell made a truly positive impression on me. He had a kind and humble heart, and he was very friendly! When Pastor Murrell walked into a room, his smile was the only light we needed. And how this man could sing! I could sit and listen to him sing all day long. His favorite scripture verse was John 3:16 and he found a way to preach it every Sunday in worship. I think it was one of the first verses of Scripture I memorized, and I’m certain Pastor’s weekly messages helped me hold on to this treasure in my heart.

It’s a good thing I grew out of my fear of pastors, especially since I married one. Here is what I’ve learned about pastors. They are just ordinary people, who answer the call to serve the Lord Jesus Christ with their lives. When my husband Jeff answered his call to ministry, he was seventeen years old. We were dating then, and I have to say, neither of us had a clue what full-time ministry would look like. Yet, Jeff knew in his heart that the Lord was calling him to serve, so he pursued it with a passion. Pastors are like that. Their primary focus is to introduce people to Jesus Christ, encouraging them to accept the Lord as their personal Savior. Pastors have a variety of spiritual gifts. Every pastor has a unique and distinct gift mix, and not all pastors are alike. They don’t look alike, and they certainly don’t think or act alike. Yet, every pastor has one very strong and similar characteristic. They love the Lord Jesus Christ more than anything else in life, and you can see it when you take a close look at their heart.

Pastors are everywhere. Some serve in a professional capacity, as ordained clergy, leading worship services each week. Others are serving the Lord in full-time mission ministries. Some pastors are full-time teachers in our colleges and universities. Many spend their days serving the poor and hungry in local shelters and at food banks. No matter where they are serving, the invitation is always the same: Come! Come and meet the One who has totally changed my life. Let me introduce you to my very best friend. Let me tell you about Jesus.

Today, I’m truly thankful for pastors everywhere, who take the Gospel message into the world every day. I don’t think we say thank you enough for the faithful work they do. Make time today to thank the pastors in your life, who dare to share the Gospel with the world.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: pastors everywhere! They need our encouragement. Remember to say thank you to the pastors who serve the Lord faithfully by offering Jesus Christ to you and me, every day.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Following the paths of the righteous

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Romans 7, 8; Proverbs 4

Romans 8:1-4 (NIV)

1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin an death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Good morning!

While sitting in the church sanctuary yesterday, I couldn’t help but think about the man I came to remember with gratitude and love. Many people gathered together to thank God for the gift of Pastor Jim. He was someone who truly understood what it meant to live, not according to the flesh, but according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Now he knows in full what I can only see in part. Carried home in the arms of perfect love, his soul will now spend an eternity praising the Lord Jesus Christ. I think I have a small understanding of why it takes an eternity to adore the perfect, sinless, Lamb of God. There could never possibly be enough time to worship Him, and so our praise and thanksgiving will go on and on, forever and ever. Someday, I will join in the eternal chorus and sing the everlasting song of the redeemed.

Pastor Jim was an awesome writer. He wrote from his heart, with a whit and whim that captured his unique and creative soul. Even though Pastor Jim is no longer with us in the flesh, his written thoughts and words will continue on. Many people who suffer from cancer will be blessed by the insights of one who knew full well what it was like to fight a terminal illness. Jim’s words will not only comfort his family, but also those who may never have known him. His written words remind us of the prize he has acquired in full through Christ Jesus. His writing will live on the hearts of future generations. It was one of his greatest gifts, and we treasure it, especially today.

As I worshipped the Lord, I also thanked the Lord for another dear sister used to send a daily scripture message out by e-mail each morning. I met Rita many years ago when my husband Jeff was pastor at the United Methodist Church in Salem, Missouri. She was a kind, loving soul, who suffered terribly from the ravages of emphysema. There were days when it took everything she had just to get out bed and move to the computer sitting on the desk by the picture window. She wore an oxygen mask, and there were days when she struggled for every breath. Even when she was too weak to open her mouth and speak, this precious child of the living God spread the Gospel message of Jesus Christ all over the worldwide web. She sent scripture passages faithfully, every day. Because of the leading of the Holy Spirit in her life, God’s Word was sent out into the worldwide web of cyberspace. When Rita went home to be with the Lord, I knew she was finally breathing free in the arms of her Savior. She no longer needed that oxygen mask, because He had become her breath of life for all eternity. There is not a day that goes by when I don’t miss hearing from Rita online. She prayed me through some really difficult moments, and in her quiet, compassionate love, made a lasting imprint in my daily walk with the Lord.

These people exemplified faith-filled living. They were not perfect – no, not even close. They made lots of mistakes, just like you and me, and even confessed it occasionally! Yet, when they gave themselves full over to the pursuit of a personal and intimate fellowship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit filled them up with His presence. They made a choice to walk in obedience to His Word and share His love with everyone. Their recorded thoughts became living legacies. as they experienced abundant life through Christ. What a gift it is to share God’s uncompromised, authoritative, holy Word! It was written for you and for me, for our children, and their children, and for all generations to come. It has been passed down through the years as a divine help and life cycle guide. We have His instruction manual right in front of us! And when we make a commitment to read His Word, allowing it to sink deeper into our hearts each day, the Holy Spirit begins to lead us in the journey. We are no longer condemned under the law, because our lives are given over completely to the Lord Jesus Christ. As we pick up the pace and pass the torch from one to another, the Word becomes our life’s breath, our only assurance and everlasting hope.

God sends His ultimate love letter to you today. It is yours for the keeping. Will you open His Word today and read it? What a wonderful gift it is to read the words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Have you read The Book? Do you know Him?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Word to totally permeate every part of your life. What Word would you share with the people God has placed in your path? Oh, how I pray you will give them the opportunity to know Jesus through His Holy Word.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

If the key fits, turn it

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Romans 4, 5, 6

Romans 5:1-6 (NIV)

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Good morning!

This morning while I was praying, I saw a vision. I’m a visual person, and it helps when I can see things in Technicolor. The Lord who recreates my heart every morning knows just what mental images to send in times of intense prayer and soul longing. He helps me grasp the concept of His grace, in tiny little bits. It’s like putting a large puzzle together. The pieces may go together slowly at first. With a lot of perseverance and trust that every piece will fit perfectly together, the Lord will complete His masterpiece in me one day soon.

I wish I could paint what I see. That is so not my gift. Hopefully, I can capture His image with words. I found myself wading in a beautiful, clear lake. This was no ordinary water. It was sweet to the taste. The reflection of the sun over the water was so bright it was hard to look at. The texture of the lake was thicker than running tap water. It was warm to the touch, with the consistency of a Menthol gel. If you’ve ever used a vapor rub to break up a deep-seated cold, then you will understand what the texture of the water felt like – cool to the immediate touch, but immediately warm, with a fragrance that carried me far beyond where I sat in my prayer closet.

The Lord revealed to me that I was standing knee deep in grace. This isn’t the kind of grace we receive when we get an extension on a loan payment for school, or extra time to complete a project at work. It’s not the grace one receives when, after having been pulled over to the side of the road for speeding, the officer gives a warning instead of a traffic citation. No, this grace is much richer and fuller than the grace and mercy we experience when we’re late for a meeting, and the participants wait patiently for us to show up.

How can we be justified through our faith? Sometimes, my faith comes in waves. There are days when I feel stronger than others. Sometimes, I have weak knees. When you feel a little weak in the knees, it’s a good time to kneel down and pray. It’s not quite so far to fall when you are on your knees, and when I’m feeling weak and tired, getting down on my knees reminds me just how strong my Lord is. I can feel His strength running through me, while wading in His grace. It is so undeserved – my meager faith does not hold a candle to the miraculous faith of Christ. Still, He pours it into me day by day, as I wade through the waters of my life. It is His grace that cleanses my sin and covers me. His grace makes peace between a holy God and a not-so-holy human girl. I find myself gaining access by His faith into amazing grace, the grace on which I now stand. The key to finding grace is in having a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the only key that will open the door to everlasting life in the arms of our Father.

While floating around in the riches of His grace this morning, Jesus reminds me that there are many who have His key tucked away in their back pocket, but they forget to pull it out and and use it. I’ve never been very good with keys. Sometimes I have to practice how to unlock a door repeatedly before I finally get it right. More often than not, I lose the key and find myself frantically searching for it. There are times when I don’t even realize I’ve lost it. Do you struggle to hold onto the key of faith? Do you know how to use it?

There is great glory in the hope of our salvation. We are covered in His grace today. Like a warm, soothing lake, we are moving toward a perfection that can only come by divine transformation. Grace covers my rough edges. Grace brings me peace with the Father. Grace-filled living allows me the privilege to walk hand-in-hand with my brothers and sisters. Do you know what it is like to wade through the waters of His grace by faith?

Jesus invites you to take hold of His key and turn it today. Come inside and experience the fellowship of His unending mercy and grace. Allow His love to wash over you, as He removes the barriers that keep you from knowing Him more fully. Look up and see the brilliance of His love; the love He extends to you today. Take some time to pray and praise Him. Offer your sin up to the altar. Watch how He washes it away completely. Allow yourself to feel extraordinarily thankful. You have every reason to be grateful to the One who saves you, day by day.

At just the right moment, while we were powerless to help ourselves, Christ died for the ungodly. He is the only key you will ever need to unlock salvation’s door. He is the only way to the Father. He is the magnificent One! Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus. Wash over us with your unending reservoir of grace, mercy and love now.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the water of His unending grace and mercy to wash over you today, cleansing your soul and freeing you for joyful, obedient living. If He is calling you to serve Him today, do it with a joyful and glad heart. This is my humble prayer, and I offer it up in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

There is unity in grace

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Romans 1, 2, 3

Romans 3:21-25 (NIV)

21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and we are justified freely by this grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in His blood.

Good morning!

Questionnaires are often used categorize people into various groups. Some may ask: Are you male or female? What is your race? Where do you live? How old are you? What is your income level? Do you have a religious preference? Have you ever committed a felony? The society in which we live often separates people and classifies them into sub-groups. Many people, who have strong opinions and biases on social issues and beliefs, are labeled by the community where we live. That label is based on a particular point of view. In the world of politics, you may be known as a proud Democrat, Republican, or Independent. You may be labeled a liberal or conservative in your theological stance. Why do we human beings go to such lengths to segregate ourselves from each other?

The Apostle Paul spent a chunk of his life persecuting Christians. He held on to his conviction that Christ’s followers were out to destroy the time-honored traditions and laws of Jewish culture and belief. He did not realize that Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of all prophecy. So Paul put on his battle armor, drew a line in the dirt and began a relentless quest to rid the world of born-again Christians.

When we separate ourselves from others, we begin to run with blinders on. We can’t see where we are headed because we are way too busy focusing on our differences rather than our commonality. It took a miraculous encounter with the risen Christ and a time of physical blindness for Paul to clearly see the truth. What will it take for you and me to lay down the things that separate us, so that we can share the Lord Jesus Christ with the world?

When Paul wrote to the church in Rome, he said, “There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” What does this mean? There are no differences between us? All of us suffer from time to time with physical illness and limitations. Every person struggles to survive, from the moment we are conceived in the womb. Some people struggle harder than others. Many do not have the necessities of life. Others seem to have an overabundance of necessities. Every human being gets hungry and longs to be fed. In the winter, we get cold. In the blistering heat of summer, we sweat. Human beings share the same fears – fear of death, fear of failure, and fear of being hurt by the people we love. We may not look, think, or act alike, but we all have the same predisposition to sin.

The sins we commit may vary, but sin is sin. It doesn’t matter whether you struggle with unsavory words coming out of your mouth or if you just think them inside your head. It does not change the sin factor. Maybe you are apathetic and self-centered, not caring much for the needs of your neighbor, or maybe you are a big giver, but expect to receive something in return for the gifts you give. A little recognition is always a good reason to give, isn’t it? We hide the unsavory behind our acts of mercy. It is our motivation and the condition of our heart song that cannot be hidden from the God who created us.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we share a common bond through the grace that came through His sacrifice on the cross. It is Christ alone that justifies us, and He covers our sin, before a holy God. We can share Christ’s redemption work with others today, if we will simply choose to look beyond the labels that separate us and see with spirit eyes, the souls of those who long to experience the joy of their salvation.

If you are struggling to look beyond the differences that separate you from others, ask Jesus Christ to help you see the commonality, our similarities, and our desperate human need. He gives an extra measure of grace, whenever a willing and humble heart sets aside their personal preferences and chooses to love others the way Jesus loves them.

How far are you willing to go with matters of faith? Do you trust the Lord enough to change your heart today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: holy help! Every human being needs to know the love of Christ. Ask God to help you lay aside the things that separate us from each other, and learn to love the way Jesus Christ loves you.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.